Kansas License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Kansas License Plates
Kansas license plate lookup services help individuals obtain information on vehicles registered in the state. These lookups can provide details such as the vehicle’s make and model, model-unique specifications, title history, odometer reading, and accident history, if any. The Kansas Department of Revenue issues the state’s license plates and maintains vehicle-related information; this department may provide access to these records upon request, both online and offline. You can also access this information online through third-party websites like GoodCar using a license plate or vehicle identification number.
License Plates
GoodCar Kansas license plate searches provide access to information like a vehicle’s title records, previous accidents, recalls, sales history, and salvage records. To initiate this search, enter the vehicle’s license plate number into the GoodCar search bar, select “Kansas,” and click the search button. Note that you may need to pay a small fee to access the full report.
VIN
Vehicles are typically assigned a unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that acts as a unique identifier for the vehicle. This VIN can be used to look up information on it via GoodCar, similar to a license plate search. However, in this case, you have to select the VIN tab on the search bar before entering the 17-digit code. In addition to tracking the vehicle's history, a VIN search typically provides information on its optional equipment, security attributes, and other safety features. The VIN is more difficult to find, though VINs are normally on the driver's side door-jamb of a vehicle, or within the owner's manual, or on an engine firewall. Once the VIN is obtained, it must be entered into the search, which is more difficult than using a plate.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Kansas?
License plate numbers have fewer characters and are typically easier to obtain than VINs, making them the preferred option over VIN searches. Kansans often run license plate searches to check the history of a used vehicle before purchasing it. Unscrupulous auto dealers may misrepresent a vehicle's specifications to facilitate a sale, but a GoodCar license plate search can confirm these details by providing information like its accident history, recalls, mechanical issues, damage history, and odometer readings. Law enforcement officials and insurers also use license plate searches to identify stolen vehicles and accident investigations.
What Can You Get Out of a Kansas License Plate Lookup?
Kansas license plate lookups can be used to access a broad range of information on the vehicle the license plate in question is linked to. The Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and other relevant agencies generate and manage this information. GoodCar’s license plate number searches, in particular, provide a comprehensive report detailing a vehicle’s information.
Vehicle Records
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators maintains a National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) that allows approved data providers to instantly and reliably verify vehicle information against federal and state databases. GoodCar is one of these approved data providers; as such, you can obtain Vehicle History Reports that include vehicle specifications, previous problems, and data on NHTSA recalls and crash test ratings from this platform.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
You can also access title brand information and check for vehicle problems, like whether it had previously suffered water or hail damage, was classified as salvage, classic car, antique, vandalized, junk, reconstructed, or even been used as a taxi.
Why Choose GoodCar for Kansas Plate Lookups?
Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.
Kansas License Plates
Kansas began requiring state residents to register their vehicles and display license plates in 1913. These plates have been manufactured by Center Industries Corporation since 1975 and are currently issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue through its Division of Vehicles. In August 2018, the state began utilizing a digital printing process for its license plates, the first significant change to its plate manufacturing process in over 100 years. Note that Center Industries Corporation is a private vendor that is only authorized to manufacture license plates; it cannot sell or issue these plates directly to vehicle owners.
Standard Issue License Plates
This is the standard-issue license plate for most vehicles. These plates are generally issued to newly registered vehicles, vehicle owners who no longer wish to use a previously obtained specialty plate, and as replacements for lost or damaged plates. The cost of obtaining a standard license plate is usually included in the cost of titling and registering your vehicle, while a fee may be charged for replacements.
Personalized License plates
These are distinctive license plates that allow the vehicle owner to display a unique message, name, or slogan instead of a typical license plate number. Be aware that the Kansas Department of Revenue reserves the right to deny your desired plate number and usually does so if the personalization is deemed to have a profane, vulgar, lewd, or indecent meaning or connotation. Personalized plates cost an initial fee of $45 in addition to regular registration fees and are usually due again after five years (when the plate will be reissued).
Specialty License Plates
These are sometimes called specialty plates, and they are typically issued to individuals looking to show affiliation with, support, or awareness for a specific organization or cause, which is indicated on the plates. To this end, these distinctive license plates feature designs and images of the organization or cause (being represented on them). Kansas distinctive plates are currently available in five categories:
- Educational Institution License Plates
- Military Distinctive License Plates
- Organizational Distinctive License Plates
- Other Distinctive License Plates
- Personalized License Plates
Fees for distinctive license plates vary by type but typically include a one-time plate fee of $20 - $50, regular registration fees, and applicable taxes. Be aware that some distinctive plates may only be issued to vehicle owners who meet specific eligibility criteria.
How to Get a
License Plate in Kansas
You can only get a license plate in Kansas after titling and registering your vehicle with the state’s Department of Revenue. This process is decentralized and handled by local county treasurer’s offices. Bear in mind that you must register the vehicle through the county treasurer’s office where it is garaged. This registration must be done within 60 days of its purchase when the title was assigned (to the new owner) or completing the bill of sale (for antique vehicles) for Kansans. Similarly, new residents must register their vehicles within 90 days of establishing Kansas residency.
Certain documents are usually required to initiate the vehicle registration process. These include:
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance
- Odometer disclosure statement
- Sale tax receipt
- Kansas Highway Patrol ID Verification (required for vehicles with out-of-state title)
- Registration fees (usually determined by the vehicle type and applicable taxes)
Note that this may vary by county. Contact your local county treasurer’s office for specific registration requirements and fees. License plates are typically printed and mailed within three weeks; registrants are usually issued a temporary tag to use in the meantime.
KS License Plate Renewal
The validity of your Kansas license plates is tied to your vehicle’s registration; as such, they must be renewed annually, along with your registration. Vehicle owners are usually sent a renewal notice containing renewal requirements and instructions about 30 days before their registration expires. The Department of Revenue also provides an option for printing this notice yourself online.
License plate renewals can be done online via the state’s iKan platform using the PIN/access code included in your renewal notice. If you did not receive this PIN/access code or otherwise cannot utilize the online renewal option, you can renew your plate via mail, in person, or any other available options through your local county treasurer’s office.
Note that driving without valid license plates in Kansas is considered an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of at least $500. However, vehicle owners who renew their plates online are given a 10-day grace period, provided they have proof of initiating the renewal process.
KS License Plate Replacement
You can replace lost, stolen, or damaged license plates through your local county treasurer’s office. If the plates were lost or stolen, you will need to file a report at your local law enforcement agency and obtain a case number. Take this case number, your license plate number, and proof of insurance to the county treasurer's or motor vehicle office, where you will request the replacement plates. You may be required to fill out an application form and pay a replacement fee, which varies by location and plate type.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Kansas License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up KS License Plates for Free?
Platforms like GoodCar offer free license plate searches that return basic information; however, you may have to subscribe to the platform to access comprehensive search results. GoodCar, in particular, offers several subscription options for different user preferences, and you can access comprehensive vehicle reports via a license plate search on this platform for as little as $2.95.
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Can I Use Kansas License Plate Lookup Services to Find out about a Vehicle's Accident History?
License plate lookups are an excellent way to learn about a Kansas-registered vehicle's accident history. With the GoodCar license plate search, you can determine if a car has been involved in any accidents and determine if it was designated junk, reconstructed, or salvaged.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Kansas?
You can request custom Kansas license plates through your county treasurer’s office. You will be charged a $45.50 personalization fee, and you may also be required to complete and submit a Personalized Plate Application Form. The Kansas Department of Revenue offers a personalized plate availability portal that you can use to check if your desired customization is still available before visiting the county treasurer’s office to place your request. Be aware that this department retains the right to approve or deny customization requests. Approved personalized plates are typically delivered within 30 days.